17th June
Pyrvmids at the O2
with Beneath The Lights and Common Strays
Photos by Kevin Gaughan
What a warm evening – and that’s putting it mildly. Lots of faces around me, people that I know. Jamie Borland is here. All the band members bar a few are familiar faces. Even Ash Wright (he of Formal Warning) was there to support his comrades in strings. So bring on the pints…and the bands.
Beneath the Lights. One of best local bands with their offering of swelteringly good songs. A profusion of punchy beats and raucous rhythms. A group of musicians who never fail to please. Two good singers adding to the vocal layer. Sam Lowe is a strong singer; with backing from Brandon Long. It was good to hear. This is an ensemble of musicians who have been together for a long time – many years – and they have a great wealth of experience behind them. Playing that is tight and sharp. A set of tunes that are memorable and highly likeable. It’s the kind of music people go for. It all adds up to an exciting musical experience.
Making their debut tonight Leicester’s latest band – Common Strays. They gave us a set of sounds that shone with vibrant passages, sizzled with riffs and wow what a rock-star performance from lead singer Matt Payne. A new band on the block and definitely one to watch.
Pyramids. Or should that be Pyrvmids? Well, no doubt about who was on stage. Familiar faces from one of Leicester’s great bands of yesteryear now reformed, re-branded and with a a whole lot of new stuff to listen to. These guys have definitely got what it takes.
Big banging anthems. A dazzling performance from the lead singer. I was expecting their set to be good – and you know what? I was not disappointed.
They gave us a set that was scorching. Guitar work that blistered. White hot energy. It got me dancing on the spot (that’s saying something.) Songs that were steaming with vitality.
Full on rock. Fiery fuelled beats. They really did give all they had.
It was a set that topped a really good evening of feverish music. A magnificent performance.
See also:
Our round-up of live music for June 2017
Our report on Download festival 2017
Our report on Riverside festival 2017
